Book review template

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

As someone who loves all things Jane Austen, this was such a delightful twist. It was nothing like I expected. The description gives nothing away and there are fun twists and turns. It just goes to show that Austen is timeless.

I absolutely adored this book! I spent many cozy afternoons slowly savoring it, I was completely immersed in the world Natalie Jenner created.

The story begins in 1865 Boston, a pivotal time in history as the Civil War ends and the push for women’s rights begins. We meet Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of Supreme Justice William Stevenson. Intelligent, curious, and deeply shaped by their father’s love of literature, the sisters long for more than the life expected of them. Their journey takes them on a grand adventure filled with romantic twists, witty moments, and touching challenges that help shape their futures.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll enjoy the thoughtful discussions of her work, plus charming interactions with her younger brother, Sir Francis Austen. You’ll also spot delightful nods to Austen’s fictional characters woven into Natalie’s own cast.

One unique aspect of this novel is its structure—it’s divided into four sections or “books.” At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but as I read on, it made perfect sense. It helped keep track of the different settings and characters—almost like acts in a play.

Natalie’s legal background shines through, adding realism to courtroom scenes and legal debates. And just like Austen herself, Jenner captures the nuances of human behavior, politics, and society through the eyes of Henrietta and Charlotte. Their growth, resilience, and pursuit of happiness made me completely invested in their happily-ever-after!

💙 A beautifully written tale of sisterhood, courage, and carving out your own path.

Jenner did an amazing job providing a story with so many real-life references, such as the presence of Louisa May Alcott, and the main characters' love of Jane Austen. I loved feeling connected to the characters through their love of Austen's literature. Will definitely be recommending!

Austen at Sea is an absolutely beautifully written story of two sisters that set out to meet their idols sibling and learn as much as they can about her. It covers adventure, love, law, and the history of women's rights. Fighting for what should have been basic rights in the 1800s but unfortunately was not. In addition, the works of Austen are discussed throughout the book, which adds an additional layer of greatness and kept me reading. There are so many great references to timeless classics, and authors make this one of the best books I've read in 2025!

I’d like to thank @austenprose @stmartinspress and @authornataliejenner for sending me a #gifted copy of Austen at Sea as part of this book review tour.

Austen at Sea is much more than a historical romance — Natalie Jenner also managed to artfully weave in so much history of post-Civil War America, and about women’s suffrage at the time. Between these historical tidbits and the judges in Boston debating the works of Janet Austen, I found these portions to be the most compelling. I appreciated the musings on feminism between the characters as well. The inclusion of well-known author Louisa May Alcott as a character was a fun bonus.

If you enjoy complex historical fiction that blends history, romance, and legal cases, Austen at Sea may be what floats your boat!

Perhaps the best reader for this book is the Jane Austen fan who will be familiar with the references, the deep plot analysis, and the character's from her work. I'm not that reader. I enjoyed the setting and the conflicts that arose during the period after the Civil War when suffrage for women and the end of slavery were highlighting the struggle for equal rights for mankind (and not just landed white males!)


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved it! Natalie Jenner’s Austen at Sea is a feminist manifesto, Jane Austen style. Filled with fascinating characters and clearly ever so well researched, this book was nothing like I expected in all the best ways. If you love Austen, if you love books focusing on women’s rights, if you love slow burn romances, and if you would like a fascinating portray of Louisa May Alcott, all set in 1865 - just after the tail end of the Civil War - you will likely adore this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

Austen at Sea is a light of a departure from Jenner's other books, set earlier in the 19th century. A group of mostly Americans sail to England, some of whom are Jane Austen fans hoping to meet her surviving brother after her death. Many of Jane's writings have been burned, and they are hoping to find something left over. The boat ride over becomes a theater production, friendships and romances happen. Louisa May Alcott is a character and passenger on the boat, before her literary success. I thought the book got a little caught up in a legal issue, that took over the last half of it. But there are lots of good points about women's rights and abilities in that time period, and mostly it was enjoyable to read.

This book hit several of the right notes for me. I found it to be very intellectually done in part.
Definitely for fans of Austen and Dickens who have read several of their works.
It contained so many interesting connections, I honestly do not know that I could list them all.
Timing wise, this book felt sweet in the fact that a father is having to say an unwanted goodbye to his daughters …and I began it the same day as I dropped my daughter off at the airport for a ten day missions trip to Columbia.
The narrator was amazing.
So many beautiful moments about the power of literature. Interesting tie-ins to “Miss Austen”, a book I finished a few months ago. Cameo appearance of one of my favorite authors, Louisa Mae Alcott. Set during the time immediately following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln…. As I stated previously, just so many loves were present here.
While I did not consider this a perfect novel, I won’t go into what I disliked, because for fans of Austen and Dickens, I just consider it a must read.

The author included two nonfictions books that inspired the novel that I am excited to get my hands on.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to preview this book via digital copy and audio.

I'm just another fan who romanticizes the life and books of Jane Austen. The clothing, the grand travel, the lifestyle. I love it all! So naturally, Austen at Sea was an automatic yes for my tbr.

I adored the bond between sisters, Harriet and Charlotte Stevenson. I loved the bibliophile brothers, Nicholas and Haslett Nelson. And mentions of contemporary authors of the time made my bookish heart explode!

Historical fiction exploring women's rights, men discussing our favorite classic author's works, and love - both old and new, make Natalie Jenner's latest novel the perfect nod to Miss Austen herself!

Courtesy of Netgalley, I received the ARC of Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner. Set in 1865, two Boston sisters initiate correspondence with Jane Austen's last surviving brother in England, who invites them to visit. Austen is a constant presence, as their father meets with his fellow judges for book club discussions of Austen's novels. The comments are so thoughtful and thought provoking! By sneaking off to sail to England, the sisters lives are transformed, beginning with their fellow passengers, including Louisa May Alcott and her fascination with Dickens! These strong women characters evolve throughout the novel, even though they are restricted by the norms of their era. Truly an homage to Jane Austen, I enjoyed this story immensely!

This was very much an ensemble story between fictional characters with their stories intertwined with an exploration of Jane Austen's world - both personal and of the times. It was sometimes engaging and sometimes I found myself skimming along (not because of the writing - Natalie Jenner writes very well - but just because I found there were story lines that didn't quite peak my interest - but YMMV. So I can't take stars off for that reason, just because it didn't quite suit my tastes).

I did not finish this book, in fact I only read about two chapters and gave up. Not as good or nearly as interesting as the first book, I wasn't that interested in people discussing the books. I've read Austen and found her writing more to my liking than the discussion about them. My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to at least read this novel, hoping for the best.

When I finish reading one of Natalie Jenner’s books, I am always in awe and overcome with many thoughts and emotions. This time I had tears. This tribute to Jane Austen is moving, probing and enlightening. The outcomes for the large cast of characters are all finely executed and for some of them, the closing chapter is quite emotional.

Austen at Sea is a complex novel divided into four books (sections); each set at a different location: Boston, The Sea, Hampshire, The Court—with separate chapters and headings.

It is a vivid exploration of the heart, society and legacies. I would expect nothing less from intelligent, deep thinker Natalie. I enjoyed all aspects of the novel: the multi-faceted large cast of characters, the way she wove Jane Austen’s world into her own novel fabric. And I marvelled at how she utilised her legal background as a past lawyer to express accurately those scenes which required such knowledge. The court sessions between Scott and Scott and the conversations at The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court between the Justices were brilliantly presented and accented with a touch of literary finesse. It was intriguing to read the justices’ opinions and judgements on various Jane Austen novels, proving their relevance and meaning, and how her works apply in real life situations.

This novel takes Jane Austen’s writing out into the highways and byways and puts her well-loved books to the test. So many topics are covered such as the challenges women faced: the lack of equality, ownership in marriage, desire for freedom and self-fulfilment. Along with the importance of family and friends, relationship challenges, and romantic encounters.

Many of my favourite scenes involve the plights and pleasures of two Boston sisters Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of widowed Justice Stevenson. These ladies hungered for a taste of freedom that was unavailable to single women at that time. But with a burst of energy and bravery, they decide to bolt out the door to satisfy that longing. Next thing we know they are on the S.S. China, a transatlantic mail packet steamship, heading for Portsmouth. They are big fans of Jane Austen and after striking up a friendship and correspondence with ninety-one year old retired Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen’s brother, they decide to visit him.

The Admiral is an intriguing character and I enjoyed reading his viewpoint chapters. He sets a conflict in motion when he decides to leave a special legacy gift of his sister’s, to Henrietta. A bizarre battle begins from both sides of the Atlantic that will expose and divide relationships. This item will raise many questions and concerns as to what is the honourable thing to do. I loved the solution at the end (cannot give anything away!) that I am sure both brother Francis and sister Jane would approve.

Watching the sisters each take their own emotional and romantic journeys into the unknown, the trials they faced and how they overcame them was quite exhilarating and at times heartbreaking. My favourite scene in the whole book is when Henrietta stands in court and makes a brilliant speech in her defence. Her oration was impressive, her understanding and use of the law genius and her persuasive command of words tugged on my heart strings and had me cheering! Who could not be won over by her stunning delivery and its profound content!

The Austen at Sea travellers on China with the sisters were interesting characters. There’s lots of humour, wit and tantalising predicaments. There are two rare book dealers (brothers) and a senator’s daughter pursuing them. Plus American author Louisa May Alcott travelling as a wealthy invalid’s companion (Anna Weld). This was a golden opportunity for Louisa to fulfil her dream to see Europe. On the ship, she is always hard at work, writing, but she also gets involved in leading a charity performance of Tale of Two Cities based on the latest novel by Charles Dickins. There are some amusing scenes here. And as for Louisa, she is well presented with her wise words about family, caring for others and her belief that ‘our differences buff each other to diamond-like shine.’ It was fun to see her in a real life situation.

Austen at Sea is filled with numerous literary gems, too many to mention. And I have only hinted at the power, presence and purpose of this magnificent tribute to Jane Austen. I think Jane Austen would be immensely proud of Natalie’s insightful and exceptional interpretation of her fiction world. And possibly happy that her brother was included! Definitely a must-read for devout Austen fans. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.75 stars.

Set in 1865 in England and America, the story weaves together the lives of four literature-loving brothers and sisters with that of Jane Austen’s surviving brother trying to preserve her legacy. The story addresses many issues of the time including lack of women’s rights, particularly in marriage, and the expected societal roles of women.

I found this to be a slow read. There were many characters to keep track of and, in my view, this did not allow for much character development. I was not particularly captivated by any of the characters. I did enjoy the references to Jane’s novels and the characters’ visit to her home in Chawton where she wrote her novels. I thought the addition of Louisa May Alcott as a character added to the story.

Overall, this was objectively well written and the author’s love of literature and Jane Austen, in particular, clearly shone through but the novel just did not pull me in as much as I would have liked. I felt like I was hovering over the book looking in rather than being immersed in it. This could well have been a case of my mood at the time that I read this novel.

Thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This story was really captivating! I really enjoyed the historical setting in this book and the plot of this story! I loved the touch of romance in this book as well! I did find it difficult to truly connect with the characters since there were quite a few of them to keep track of. Overall though an enjoyable story that I definitely recommend checking out!

3.75 out of 5 stars!

I can’t seem to find the right words to properly express how much I loved this book, but here goes anyways… Jenner writes in such an elegant and engaging manner. It makes for a delightful reading experience. AUSTEN AT SEA is not meant to be read in one sitting, in my opinion, but truly savoured. Ultimately, this book is an homage to Austen and her body of work, as well as a social commentary about women and the love they may experience: familial, platonic and romantic. The discussion of women’s rights carries throughout the book, and it’s a reminder of how much women have fought and continue to fight to be recognized as autonomous individuals capable of making our own decisions without men.

Jenner also creates such an eclectic, yet seamless, blend of fictional and historical characters. I, for one, was very excited to see Louisa May Alcott make an appearance. The Supreme Court judges and their reading circle was so unexpected and comedic… I’m inspired to now start a reread of my favourite Austen novels!

This novel had a rich cast of characters, some fictional and some real-life figures. I enjoyed how two young sisters from Boston found themselves on a boat with Louisa May Alcott as they journeyed to meet Francis Austen, Jane's last living sibling. On board the ship, the sisters join with others in putting on a play of Charles Dickens' book A Tale of Two Cities, and these scenes give an amusing portrayal of Alcott as well as insights into my favorite Dickens book.
I always come away from one of Natalie Jenner's books feeling as though I've just gained deeper insight into classic literature. In this novel, she uses a book club among Supreme Court justices for lively discussions of Austen's works and shares nuanced insights on the author's writings. As the two sisters become fast friends with Francis Austen, he bequeaths to them something precious from his sister Jane, that turns the plot into a courtroom battle where the rights of women are at stake. If you've never read this author, I encourage you to pick this up when you can read without distraction, as Jenner's books are meatier reads, but they are totally worth your while. I came away from this one with gratitude for the preservation of Jane's legacy by her family and the foundation who keeps her home in Chawton going today.

I wished I loved this as much as Natalie Jenner's other works, but something just didn't click for me. I found the characters interesting, the premise interesting, and the overall pace to be what I would expect, but there were too many sections were I lost interest in what was happening.

I can see why others will love this book, and if you find the blurb intriguing then you should definitely pick up this one.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

TY to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC/ALC. I am drawn in automatically to a title Jane Austen adjacent and I've loved this author's previous titles, so I was very excited about this one. I found the story weighed down by too many characters and too many plot lines. I liked but really didn't love this one.